The Denver Nuggets outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round series matchup to take a 1-0 series lead.
Jamal Murray led the way, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Jokic dropped a triple-double of 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, while Aaron Gordon contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
However, Gordon got banged up late in the game and is currently dealing with an injury ahead of Monday’s Game 2.
Coach David Adelman Provides Gordon Injury News
GettyAaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Ball Arena on October 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
Speaking to reporters after the game, coach David Adelman discussed the Nuggets’ 116-105 win over the Timberwolves on Saturday night. Adelman acknowledged the physicality brought in by Chris Finch’s team, but it unfortunately resulted in an injury for Gordon.
“It’s a physical series,” Adelman said. “The playoffs are physical, though. the only moment, I just re-watched AG taking the shot in the back from (Julius) Randle was concerning. That’s on our report for something that’s bothered him. It was lower back. That was unfortunate, but that’s just the way the game is. These games are that way. Both teams are experienced.”
The Nuggets haven’t released an injury report for Game 2, but it’s safe to assume that Gordon could pop up after what happened on Saturday.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Gordon boxed out Randle for a rebound. The Timberwolves forward ran hard into Gordon’s back, causing the Nuggets high-flyer to go down. He was grimacing and holding his back before getting up and continuing to play.
It has been a rough season for Gordon in terms of injury. He suffered two separate right hamstring strains this season, which limited him to just 36 games. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Nuggets Dealing With Another Injury
GettyPeyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Golden 1 Center on December 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
The Nuggets are no strangers to injuries this season. They have been ravaged by them all season long, with many of their stars and role players going down, including Jokic, at one point during the campaign.
Injuries led to players like Peyton Watson to step up. Watson became the second option on offense behind Murray when top stars like Jokic and Gordon were out.
With the latest injury news on Gordon, his backup in Watson is likely missing multiple games in the series against the Timberwolves.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Watson has remained inactive for the Nuggets before Game 1. He’s dealing with a strained right hamstring and could continue missing game in the first round.
“Peyton Watson was the only inactive player on either team,” Durando wrote. “As he continues to recover from a right hamstring strain that he reaggravated early this month, the growing sense around the team is that he’ll miss at least a couple more games, a source told The Post.”
As a starter this season in place of Gordon, Watson played like an All-Star. He averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks in 40 starts.
Denver Nuggets Reveal Concerning Aaron Gordon Injury News After Game 1 Win